Welcome to the Power List 2015 sponsored by HSBC - our snapshot of Doncaster’s top decision-makers, big employers and high achievers.

Once again it has been compiled by an independent panel and is by no means scientific.

Instead panel members keep their ears to the ground and see what’s happening around the borough and beyond.

Then they tell us who they think is making an impact on the borough and why.

You’ll find names both old and new among this year’s selection and some fresh roles too as people and organisations have branched out or diversified to weather the economic climate or broaden their horizons.

And with the general election just months away it’s perhaps no surprise a number of political heavy weights feature high up on the list.

Mayor Ros Jones

In our top ten alone there are a diverse mix of big hitters holding senior positions in government, the media, the music business and a new entry from the rail industry.

Meanwhile, people who have long worked hard to support education, sport and local business have been recognised for their valuable contributions.

Chris Burton, editor in-chief of South Yorkshire Newspapers, said: “One thing the power list is sure to do is provoke debate and perhaps even argument. Because what is being presented here is not a “rich list” or anything as measurable as that, it is rather the considered view of an independent panel as to who carries the most influence in the town.

“Clearly, influence can mean many different things. Is it the size of the budget available to a given person? Is it the political clout a person carries in town? Or, moving right up to date, is it the number of people a person can reach through social media such as Twitter?

One thing the power list is sure to do is provoke debate and perhaps even argument, while putting Doncaster where it deserves to be – in the spotlight.

Chris Burton, Group Editor, South Yorkshire Newspapers

“Although many of the names remain the same from last year, there are some surprises. And I’m particularly interested to see what people think of a certain entry from the pop music world.”

“The panel, as always, was made up of respected members of the community and the resulting list is their view on how things stand in the town.

“Whatever you think of the choices the panel have made, it’s clear that the people in this list have a lot of responsibility in one way or another to the town.

“I hope that people will enjoy reading it, and that it does provoke a healthy debate while putting Doncaster where it deserves to be – in the spotlight.”

Louis Tomlinson at Doncaster's Keepmoat Stadium.

Tourism in particular has made its mark in the last year, with the number of tourists flocking to Doncaster increasing for the fourth consecutive year, bucking national trends.

In 2013-14, 1.4million people visited Doncaster’s many tourist attractions, an increase of 14.6 per cent from last year.

One of the major events which contributed to this boost was the St Leger Festival.

Plans for this September’s festival are already underway and is again expected to generate millions of pounds for Doncaster.

Other major developments like the Finningley And Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) is progressing well.

The multi-million pound scheme that is currently underway will see a link road built to the airport and the construction of an inland rail port that will create thousands of jobs.

All of this ensures that Doncaster’s economic progress has a chance of continuing in 2015. But for now let’s celebrate the people who helped to make 2014 a success.

50. Paul Kantecki, (NEW)

Managing director of Centurion Europe Mr Kantecki’s company that specialises in supplying tools, hardware and DIY products both in the UK and globally.

The award winning company, established in 1984, is growing from strength to strength. and has developed into much more than a wholesaler.

As well as providing a stellar service to its customers the company also has an active Community, Social and Environmental Responsibility programme working with locals sports clubs Doncaster Rovers Football Club and The Dons Rugby League and supporting a number of key local charities.

In addition, the comapny is doing its bit for the environment aiming to recycle 100 tonnes of cardboard every year and are serious about lowering carbon emissions.

49. Oliver Bryssau, Origin Broadband (50)

Managing director Mr Bryassu started Origin Broadband in 2011 after becoming increasingly frustrated with poor broadband speeds in the region.

The company offers broadband on a fibre optic network for homes and businesses.

The firm can offer homes 40 meg broadband speeds, which for most people is the fastest they will have ever had access to.

2014 was a milestone year for Mr Bryssau who notched up a number of achievements including being named ‘Young Person in Business’ for the whole of the UK at the national chamber awards as well as “Business Person of The Years (under 35)” at the Doncaster Chamber Awards.

Based in Thorne Road, Doncaster, the company offer a range of different broadband packages.

48. Toby Foster, Radio Sheffield (NEW)

Radio Sheffield presenter Toby Foster rose like a phoenix from the flames in 2014 after fans of the award-winning radio favourite, who joined the station in 2002, set up an online ‘Save Our Toby’ campaign calling for his reinstatement after a brief period of suspension.

The popular presenter returned to his radio job in January.

The stand-up comedian and actor who appeared as the drummer in Peter Kay’s cult comedy Phoenix Nights is also currently featuring in a live stage version of the show to raise cash for Comic Relief.

As well as juggling his comedy, acting and charity work Mr Foster continues to delight listeners fronting the three-hour Radio Sheffield breakfast show, taking an off-the-wall look at news, travel, weather and sport, weekdays from 7am to 9am followed by a topical phone-in until 10am.

47. Christian Sprenger, Highfield (NEW)

Christian Sprenger is Managing Director at Highfield, the UK and Middle East’s leading supplier of compliance training materials.

Based in Shaw Wood Business Park in Doncaster Mr Spenger is responsible for developing and implementing the Board’s strategy so that Highfield can achieve its goals.

Mr Sprenger joined the business in 2003 as the Marketing Director and progressed to the position of Managing Director in 2009.

Before joining Highfield, Christian worked in store management for Marks & Spencer before progressing to marketing management at their head office.

His vision and determination has been key to the growth of Highfield and its expansion into new markets.

Mr Sprenger is also the celebrated author of three health and safety publications.

46. Paul Goel, Keeble Hawson (-)

A partner at Keeble Hawson solicitors, Mr Goel has extensive experience of both corporate and commercial property work.

He acts for several owner managed companies with commercial property portfolios.

The company has expanded and has four offices across Yorkshire.

Keeble Hawson has a team of 280 (including 36 partners and another 65 lawyers) and offices in Sheffield, Leeds and Doncaster.

Mr Goel is also a governor of Hill House St Marys, an independent day school in Doncaster.

45. Cheryl Sadler, Lakeside (NEW)

Lakeside Village centre manager Cheryl Sadler has been recognised for both her impressive business credentials and commitment to the community.

Under Ms Sadler’s watch Lakeside Village was presented with an award for it’s commitment to the local community and charity work this month,

The award for humanitarian needs of the community, which is internationally recognised, was presented for the work carried out by Lakeside Village and the Thorne Rural Lions Club over the last six years.

And thanks to the completion of the A6182 Doncaster Southern Gateway Improvement Scheme the future is bright for the shopping centre with easier access for shoppers. Ms Sadler said: “The new road system really opens up the arrival into Lakeside and marks the gateway for a great retail and leisure destination.”

44. Mick Maye, Market Traders (NEW)

Chair of Doncaster Market Traders Federation Mr Maye continuously flies the flag for Doncaster Market and was instrumental in a campaign to bring bus services to the site where shoppers and traders felt they were being missed out by the existing routes.

The business savy market trader has been running a successful card shop on Doncaster Market for decades.

He has also enjoyed a glittering political career.

The former councillor ran for mayor of Doncaster on three occasions.

Mr Maye was also deputy leader of Alliance of Independent Members.

He counts his childhood hero as his dad who worked everyday and brought up five children.

43. Gwenhael Le Coent, Wirquin (NEW)

As managing director of sanitary equipment specialist Wirquin, Gwenhael Le Coent celebrated a successful year with a double win at Doncaster Chamber Business Awards.

The company scooped ‘Excellence in Overseas Trade’ for moving into new international markets and ‘Excellence in Innovation and Diversification’ for its innovative approach to business.

Gwenhael Le Coent, who brought his family business to Doncaster in 2011 by buying a struggling company and saving over 200 local jobs, was also awarded runner-up for the Business Person of the Year – 36 years and over.

42.Bobbie Roberts, Deaf Trust (47)

After being made a freeman of the borough Bobbie Roberts has jumped from 47th last year to this year’s 42nd.

The retired nurse and magistrate, is chair of trustees at Doncaster Deaf Trust, which can trace its history back to 1829 when Reverend William Carr Fenton set up a school for young deaf people.

Mrs Roberts has been involved with Doncaster Deaf Trust since 1978 and has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of its specialist education provision.

Mrs Roberts is also a trustee for Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust and has played a role in leisure provision.

Mrs Roberts received an MBE in 2005.

41. Peter Davies, Columnist (NEW)

Former mayor and Doncaster Free Press columnist Peter Davies is a new addition to the list this year.

The former teacher was a founding member of the Campaign for Real Education – an organisation dedicated to restoring high standards of learning and discipline in the state education system.

Mr Davies was mayor of Doncaster from 2009 to 2013 and narrowly lost the 2013 election to Labour mayor Ros Jones.

He remains an influential voice in Doncaster as chair of the newly-formed political party the Doncaster First Independents.

Mr Davies also shares his opinions through a popular weekly column in the Free Press.

40. Pippa Dodgshon, Hall Cross (NEW)

As headteacher of Hall Cross Academy and a very influential education figure locally, Pippa Dodgshon has enjoyed a number of successes.

Last year alone under Ms Dodgshon more students than ever celebrated getting into their first choice university. Ofsted inspectors praised staff and pupils at the academy and gave them a “good” rating at the last inspection.

Inspectors also praised Ms Dodgshon’s strong drive for success .

Reacting to the Ofsted report Pippa Dodgshon said she was delighted with the ‘good’ rating. She added: “The report contains many positive reflections of our drive and determination to provide the best for all our students.”

39. Laurie Barton Wright, Frenchgate (NEW)

The Frenchgate Centre manager has made a big impact since joining the shopping Centre in 2013.

Since taking the reins she has overseen a £10 million investment plan, that has seen new restaurants and shops open in the centre.

Phase two of the development plan is underway and will see Lifestyle Fitness open what will be their first gym in a UK shopping centre.

An experienced former marketing manager with over fifteen years of industry experience gained with both property owners and managing agents.

Laurie holds the BCSC Diploma in Shopping Centre Management and awarded SCEPTRE Shopping Centre Manager of the Year 2010.

Its site is equipped with the latest machinery and technology and deals with thousands of tonnes of waste each year, cutting the amounts taken to landfill.

Mr Westmoreland praises staff as being the company’s most valuable asset for their “skill, integrity and professionalism.”

The firm also prides itself on equipment being well maintained and compliant with the very latest safety standards.

The company offers an extensive range of competitively priced skips and containers.

37. The Weaver Family, Strata Homes (38)

The family owns and runs the Strata Homes building firm.

Company chairman Irving Weaver has masterminded the transformation of the Doncaster firm into one of Yorkshire’s most prominent housebuilders.

The company also undertakes work on schools and offices.

Founded in 1919 by Oscar Weaver, the company built 2,500 council houses in Yorkshire and Lancashire before the Second World War.

Mr Weaver joined the company- then called O Weaver & Sons - in 1968 and rebranded it Strata in 2001.

The firm has boomed on the back of a strong performance from its house building business and Mr Weaver’s shrewd buying of a landbank.

36. Graham Rhoden, hotelier (42)

Mr Rhoden is the owner of the Earl of Doncaster Hotel.

The Doncaster-born businessman has owned the four-star hotel for around 20 years - the town’s biggest independently owned hotel.

Since 1938, generations of visitors to Doncaster have enjoyed the unique Art Deco style and character of The Earl.

He also co-founded Doncaster’s Cheswold Park Hospital, which treats people with mental health issues.

Mr Rhoden also owns the town’s squash club, which enjoys a strong membership with players from across the region.

35. Liam Scully. Club Doncaster (NEW)

Chief executive of Club Doncaster Foundation Liam Scully is committed to his work with the registered charity that works with young people and adults across Doncaster on a number of levels in order to improve their lives and the local community.

Club Doncaster Foundation is a development of Doncaster Rovers Foundation to reflect new strategic partnership and alliances with Doncaster Rovers, Doncaster Rugby League Club and the Keepmoat Stadium.

Mr Kersh has a vision to become the world’s leading supplier of fish diets to professional aquariums, breeders and the home aquarist based on levels of nutritional quality, that have never been achieved before.

Under the guidance of Mr Kersh the company has been expanding its Doncaster plant and taking on more staff.

New Era beat off some very fine competition to win the The Excellence in Overseas Business award as part of Doncaster Chamber’s 2012 Business Awards.

33. Andy Morley, ProAktive (NEW)

Group managing director of ProAktive, specialising in risk management and financial advice.

Mr Morley has worked in insurance for over 20 years and is tasked with the development of ProAktive in Sheffield and beyond.

Mr Morley heads up Group Management which takes responsibility for managing the culture, formulating strategy and monitoring progress of the Group.

The team are specialists in the field of engineering, manufacturing and contracting and deliver joined up risk management and insurance solutions throughout the South

Yorkshire region.

32. Adrian Welch, glazing firm owner (33)

Set up Adrian Welch Glass and Glazing 20 years ago and relocated to bigger premises off White Rose Way in 2008.

It continues to expand and is keen to help young people to learn professional skills.

The firm recruits school leavers when possible and provides regular work experience placements for youngsters.

The firm stocks an extensive range of glass, which can be cut to size while customers wait.

They also supply specialised glass types. High profile projects have included providing glass for David Beckham’s training academy.

31. Craig Dowie, hotel owner (32)

Previously held senior positions with Swallow and Corus hotels.

Mr Dowie owns the Crown Hotel Bawtry and the Rutland Hotel in Sheffield.

The Crown Hotel boasts is one of the most sought after places to stay in Doncaster and has attracted a string of celebrity guests over the years including Billy Connolly and David Walliams.

Mr Dowie is an active member of the Bawtry Retail Association set up by local business people to promote the town and its businesses and facilities.

He was educated at the Blackpool and Fylde Faculty of Food.

30. Susan Jordan , St Leger Homes (-)

Joined the company which manages Doncaster’s 21, 000 council homes five years ago.

Ms Jordan has more than 30 years experience in housing and has steered different organisations through restructuring, growth and inspections.

She previously held positions at Six Town Housing in Bury, and is described by colleagues as being “passionate about making a real difference and doing things right.”

Ms Jordan works closely with an executive management team, who specialise in managing different parts of the organisation. St Leger Homes has won awards for its customer service and works with partners to

improve council housing.

29. Michael Hart, DCLT (-)

Mr Hart was general manager of The Dome and now oversees the operation of 11 leisure venues across the town, offering a range of sports and entertainment facilities.

Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust is a registered charity and employs about 700 staff.

Under Mr Hart’s leadership the Fitness Village Health Centre at The Dome won a silver award in 2011 for its faciities.

It beat off competition from eight other clubs across Yorkshire.

The venue celebrated its 25th birthday last year.

Mr Hart is keen to ensure facilities are always top rate and is also keen to support community causes and charitable projects.

28. The Venerable, Peter Burrows (31)

Formerly archdeacon of Leeds, the initially worked at the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary and briefly for the Civil Service before training for the priesthood.

Bishop Burrows was ordained in 1983 and served a curacy in Bradford.

Became Bishop of Doncaster in 2011 when he was consecrated at York Minster.

He has also been an Inspector of Theological Colleges and has chaired the national Vocations and Ministry Committee.

He showed his support for the local South Yorkshire Credit Union by becoming a member and urged people to use it as an effective way to save up money in tough economic times.

27. Kelvin Fitton, Smith Craven (37)

Mr Fitton has jumped a massive ten places since last year after becoming the vice president of Doncaster Chamber in 2013.

He is a partner in Smith Craven Chartered Accountants.

The accountancy firm is of the largest independent firms in the area operating from offices in Doncaster, Sheffield, Worksop, Chesterfield and Mansfield.

He has been a partner since 1994 and has helped to build up the business, which has enjoyed consistent growth.

Mr Fitton is also a non executive director at Doncaster CVS, a post he has held since 2009. He has a keen interest in helping to driving the economy forward in Doncaster,

26. Caroline Flint, MP (28)

The Labour politician has been the MP for Don Valley since 1997.

She served in the Government as the minister for public health from 2005 to 2007, the minister for employment from 2007 to 2008, minister for housing and planning in 2008, and minister for Europe from 2008 to 2009.

In October 2010, she was elected to the shadow cabinet, and appointed her shadow secretary of state for communities and local government.

Locally, Ms Flint has campaigned for an inquiry at HMP Hatfield after six prisoners absconded in as many weeks last summer. Prior to becoming an MP she was the senior researcher and political officer for the GMB Union.

25. John Radford, One Call Insurance (27)

Mr Radford set up the company in 1995 after 10 years working in the industry with the aim of cutting insurance costs and improving customer service.

The business has grown into a multi-million pound operation with branches around the country including a head office in Doncaster.

It offers car, van, home, learner driver, holiday and short term insurance policies.

Mr Radford used his self-made wealth to buy Mansfield Town Football Club and in 2012 changed the name of the home stadium from Field Mill to the One Call Stadium. His company is also the current kit sponsor of Doncaster Rovers, the fourth year the deal has been in place.

24. Chris McSharry, Hesley Group (NEW)

Chris McSharry chief executive of Hesley Group is a new addition to the list this year.

The Hesley Group celebrates its fortieth birthday this year.

The Group was established in 1975 and Chris McSharry has now been with Hesley, where Steve Lloyd remains as Chairman for ten years.

Looking to the future, Chris aims to build on the existing alignment of services with family wishes and expectations, in meeting the very individual needs of those Hesley will support.

He wants Hesley to extend its educational provision and also to develop services in new geographic areas where there is a demand for specialist services.

23. James Newman, LEP chairman (25)

The Yorkshire-born businessman is chairman of the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership.

He helped to broker a deal with the government for the LEP to take responsibility for funding major schemes at a local level.

Throughout his career, Mr Newman held senior roles in industries including manufacturing, services and utilities.

Successes for the LEP include securing a £14.2 million investment from the Government into the region to help attract modern manufacturing and technology investors.

Mr Newman was also instrumental in backing a last year’s bid to build the National High Speed Rail College in Doncaster.

22. Norma Wardman, CVS (24)

Has been the director of Doncaster CVS for the best part of two decades.

She manages the resources and operations of the organisation, while developing partnerships with the public and private sector.

Her previous roles have included positions at voluntary organisations and councils.

The CVS provides information, advice and support to voluntary and community groups in Doncaster.

Services include HR, payroll, legal advice and business planning.

The organisation celebrated its second annual community and voluntary sector awards designed to recognise and reward organisations and individuals in Doncaster in December with a glitzy ceremony.

21. Mark Spincer, racecourse boss (23

Mark Spincer is managing director of Doncaster Racecourse and has focused his efforts on developing it into a top racing, hospitality and leisure venue.

Mr Spincer resided over last year’s St Leger Festival hailed as one of the biggest and best yet, attracting record crowds from far and wide of over 62,000 and completely sold out on the Saturday.

And it looks set to be another successful year under his watch with tickets already on sale for next year’s St Leger festival and a number of live gigs lined up for the summer including UB40 and Madness.

In 2013 Doncaster Racecourse implemented a number of group-wide customer initiatives.

20. George Trow, college principal (22)

Mr Trow was appointed principal of Doncaster College in 2010.

He was given the task of running Doncaster based on his excellent track record while leading Rotherham College of Arts and Technology, where he led a financial turnaround from a £2.2 million deficit to excellent financial health and a turnover

of £24 million.

He has had a positive effect on Doncaster College, with a recent Ofsted report praising staff and students and awarding an overall rating of good.

Born in Yorkshire, Mr Trow studied at Scarborough Technical College after leaving school and went on to work in London and Bermuda. At the age of 26, he completed a full time certificate in education which led to his career in further education.

19. Dan Fell/Stacey Austin, Chamber (NEW)

Former deputy CEO Dan Fell (left) was unanimously appointed to the position of Chief Executive by the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Mr Fell, who has worked at the Chamber for nearly 10 years took take up his role in January following the departure of Phil Harris.

Managing director at Boxes and Packaging (Doncaster) Ltd, Stacey Austin has enjoyed 23 years with the company.

Mr Austin took up his role as president of Doncaster Chamber in 2014 after serving two years as Vice-President and three years prior to that as a director.

Mr Austin took over the role from Andrew McKenna who had been President for two years.

18. Lloyd Nicholson, and Mick Murray, Lazarus (19)

They formed Lazarus Properties in 1997 and own in the region of 275, 000 sq ft of commercial space across South Yorkshire,with an additional 100,000 sq ft throughout the country.

This success has followed into the office and industrial markets, acquiring around 75,000 sq ft of offices and around 1 million sq ft of industrial stock. With a portfolio that has continued to expand, ambitious property development schemes in a widening area have substantially enhanced both portfolio and reputation.

The duo have revealed their intention to revive The Kings Arcade in Doncaster town centre as part of an extensive refurbishment plan. The firm also owns Lazarus House,

in Doncaster.

17. Nigel Brewster, Brewster Pratap (20)

A former Doncaster Chamber president, he co-founded his latest recruitment business in July 2011.

The firm has grown rapidly to 25 staff with offices in Leeds and Doncaster.

In 2013 Nik Pratap joined as a partner to form the Brewster Pratap Recruitment Group.

He said the business growth has been fuelled by a significant private equity investment to assemble a hard-working and talented recruitment consulting team. Mr Brewster was educated at Sheffield and Hull universities.

16. Gavin Baldwin, Doncaster Rovers (17)

Mr Baldwin took his post as chief executive of Doncaster Rovers in 2012.

He is an ex-assistant director of Doncaster Council and former chief executive of the Keepmoat Stadium and The Dome.

Also a key member of Doncaster Chamber, he counts making the Keepmoat Stadium a community orientated facility as a key responsibility.

His role involves having an overview of the day to day running of the club, from financial matters in boardroom meetings to keeping himself informed on player transfers.

Home games regularly attract in the region of 7,000 spectators. While in charge of The Dome, the facility won the Quest (Highly Commended) Award for the quality of its facilities.

15. Steve Gill, Robin Hood Airport (16)#

Appointed as director of Robin Hood Airport in 2011, he previously served as group environment and facilities director for Peel Airports.

Robin Hood Airport is flying high after seeing passenger numbers soar last year.

Figures releases by the Civil Aviation Authority show that numbers are up by five per cent year on year over the last twelve months.

The airport’s increase is higher than the average national increase which stands at 4.3 per cent and sees Robin Hood take top spot in the region for passenger growth.

Mr Gill has more than 30 years experience in the industry, and played a key role in the planning and delivery of Robin Hood Airport.

14. Rosie Winterton, MP (15)

Doncaster Central MP since 1997 and previously minister for local government, minister for regional economic development and minister for Yorkshire and the Humber.

Miss Winterton has served as opposition chief whip since 2010.

She first worked as John Prescott’s constituency personal assistant from 1980 until 1986.

After working for Southwark Council, Miss Winterton returned to politics to assist Lord Prescott in 1994, where she was head of office for the deputy prime minister until 1997.

Locally she has pledged her support for food banks while expressing her “shock” at the growing number of people who rely on them and lobbied the Government to tackle the nation’s “cost of living” crisis.

13. Cheryl Williams, Wildlife park (14)

As director of Yorkshire Wildlife Park, she has led her team in transforming acres of farmland into an award-winning attraction that continues to evolve and pull in an ever increasing number of visitors.

The park celebrated its most successful year to date welcoming England’s only captive polar bear Victor to his new Doncaster home.

Built on land formerly occupied by the 260-acre Brockholes Farm Visitor Centre, the park occupies about 70 acres of the site. Mrs Williams, husband Neville and business partner John Minion purchased the site in 2008 with funding from Lloyds TSB Commercial, private investment, and a Yorkshire Forward grant. The site was renovated over the 2008–2009 winter, and opened in 2009

12. Ron and Chris Alcock, Weldricks (13)

The father and son team head up the Weldricks Pharmacy empire.

It is a family owned business with 62 community pharmacies throughout South Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire, employing more than 600 local people.

The company launched its first automated prescription vending machine in its new Doncaster town centre pharmacy in recent years.

The introduction of the Weldricks Auto Vend Prescription Service will enable customers to securely and conveniently collect their dispensed NHS prescription medication at a time to suit them.

Both directors are patrons of the Doncaster Chamber of Commerce. As patrons they will have a greater say on shaping the local economy

11. Dave Sheridan, Keepmoat (NEW)

Mr Sheridan is group chief executive officer of Keepmoat.

He joined the Apollo Group in 2008 and following the merger in 2012 he became Keepmoat’s Chief Operating Officer for the northern businesses. Prior to the merger he was Chief Executive Officer of Apollo.

Doncaster-based Keepmoat is a national market leader in sustainable community regeneration, housing, and planned and responsive repairs to the UK housing industry.

The company - Britain’s 18th largest contractor - has a £1 billion turnover and over 80 years’ experience in community regeneration and housebuilding to deliver better value, better quality services, in more areas.

10. David Hall, Polypipe (11)

Mr Hall is chief executive of Polypipe and led a management buyout in 2005.

The Edlington-based firm, founded in 1980, is now the largest manufacturer in the United Kingdom – and among the biggest 10 in Europe – of plastic piping systems for the residential, commercial, civils and infrastructure sectors, and could be worth £400 million.

The group operates from 16 facilities in total, employing 1,100 people at its biggest site in Doncaster.

The firm makes drainage, plastic plumbing and underfloor heating systems, ventilation solutions, water supply systems, sewage pipe systems for water authorities, land drainage products for agricultural use and other drainage solutions.

9. George Tillier, Unipart Rail (NEW)

George Tillier, Managing Director of Unipart Rail Europe and Chair of the private sector led Centre for Rail Engineering and Technical Expertise (CREATE) bid.

Managing director George Tillier said: “Following Unipart Rail’s major success last year in Australia, our progress in the UK home market continues. The Unipart Rail Bogie Facility in Hexthorpe has secured further orders from major UK train operators and train manufacturers, necessitating a significant increase in capacity and the recruitment of some 50 additional local workers. This will bring our total workforce in Doncaster to over 400.

“Our continuing success is a direct result of the commitment, engagement and enthusiasm of our local workforce.”

8. Chris Weatherall, Wabtec (NEW)

Wabtec Group managing director Chris Weatherall is a new addition to this year’s list after the rail industry was given a major boost following the announcement that Doncaster will be at the forefront of the high speed rail revolution after Ministers chose the town to host the new HS2 College.

Doncaster will jointly host the college with Birmingham.

Speaking about the news he said: “Wabtec Rail is delighted Doncaster will host the High Speed Rail College. This announcement confirms that Doncaster is one of the leading centres of railway engineering in the UK.”

In 2012 Mr Weatherall was named Business Person of the Year (Over 41) at the Doncaster Chamber awards.

7. Jon Templeman, Bridon International (8)

An Oxford graduate, Mr Templeman is chief executive officer of Bridon International Ltd.

Prior to his current post, he was CEO with wire manufacturer ESAB. During his time at ESAB operating profit increased from £35 million in 2003 to £127 million in 2007.

He is now responsible for strengthening the Bridon brand worldwide, after joining in October 2009.

The steel, wire and rope manufacturer exhibited its products at the 2013 Asia-Pacific’s International Mining Exhibition in Sydney.

Bridon’s products have been used in many high profile structures around the world including Wembley Stadium.

The firm has 10 factories and a number of service centres.

6. Nick Tupper, health chief (4)

Elected as chairman of the NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group in July 2012 by the town’s fellow GPs. Dr Tupper heads an organisation which oversees the work of the 44 GP practices that operate in

Doncaster and care for around

309,000 patients.

Each practice has a representative who attends meetings and each locality has elected two GPs to serve on the governing body.

There are currently 66 members of the group, which is responsible for making decisions on local NHS budgets of about £500 million.

Dr Tupper graduated from the University of Sheffield Medical School in 1995.

5. Chris Burton, Editor (-)

Since October 2013 Mr Burton has been the editor-in-chief of South Yorkshire Newspapers.

He is responsible for the print and digital products of the Doncaster Free Press, The South Yorkshire Times and The Epworth Bells.

Previously assistant editor at The Star, Sheffield and editor of The Sheffield Telegraph, Mr Burton has also been editor of the Guardian series of newspapers based in Worksop and The Gainsborough Standard.

Mr Burton, 38, is a masters degree graduate of The University of Sheffield’s Journalism School.

He has been a member of the Bassetlaw Leaders Forum and a civic society chairman.

4. Ed Miliband MP, Labour leader (6)

Mr Miliband has jumped up the power list rankings two places this year ahead of the general election on May 7.

He has been an MP since 2005 and was elected Labour leader in 2010.

He has pledged to freeze energy prices for 20 months if Labour win the 2015 general election.

Mr Miliband has also offered to give businesses a 12-month tax break in 2016 if they agree to increase pay to a so-called “living wage” and pledged an apprenticeship place to any school-leaver who gets the required grades

The Doncaster North MP began his career as a TV researcher in 1992 after graduating from university.

3. Louis Tomlinson, One Direction (2)

Doncaster’s very own pop star, Mr Tomlinson has enjoyed worldwide fame and millions of record sales as part of boy band One Direction.

The 23-year-old’s path to stardom started with an audition for the X Factor in 2010.

Mr Tomlinson and his four band mates finished third in the competition but they have since achieved huge success in the UK and abroad.

They became the first band in US Billboard 200 history to have their first three albums debut at number one.

Last year Mr Tomlinson’s planned joint take-over of Doncaster Rovers fell through but he is signed as a footballer for the team on a non-contract basis.

2. Jo Miller, Council Chief (3)

After three years as Doncaster Council’s chief executive, the former lawyer has faced a tough task with the authority having to make swingeing budget cuts year on year.

The chief executive works alongside the elected mayor to deliver strategies to improve the borough and the lives of residents.

Prior to her current post, Ms Miller has been deputy chief executive at Bradford Metropolitan Borough Council and a senior director at Knowsley Council.

Ms Miller was praised by independent inspectors last year for the “Team Doncaster” over the past three years “widely acknowledged as an inspirational concept”.

1. Ros Jones, Elected Mayor (-)

Elected in May 2013, the former Labour councillor for Askern Spa is the political leader of Doncaster Council.

Mrs Jones is responsible for major policy decisions and works with her cabinet to deliver council services.

She also works closely with the business and leisure community to boost economic growth in the town.

Under her leadership, Mrs Jones has continued to oversee the Finningley And Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRRS) and has been tasked with helping to make £109m of savings.

The mayor is also responsible for setting the council’s annual budget. She has pledged to see Doncaster through the economic crisis.